I just got back from a business trip to Chicago. I’ve been there since Monday, hence the complete lack of posting. Work sent me for a class on diversity. (IE don’t discriminate against people different then you.) It was painfully evident after the first couple of hours that this class was misnamed. It should have been called, “If you are a non-disabled white heterosexual male 30-55, you have everything handed to you awareness class.” The class of 25 had a good mix of people in age, race, religion and gender. I’d throw in sexual orientation, but I don’t know what everyone’s was.

This class did more damage then good. ThatÂ’s not just my opinion, but also that of at least 10 others that took the class. The class came across as saying that even though now you donÂ’t look at race, age or gender when making decisions; you need to start. If you have four people applying for a job, it doesnÂ’t matter who is the best qualified for the position. If they all meet the minimum requirement for the position, you need to then look at what race/gender/age you need to make your employees more diversified.

My jaw about hit the table. IÂ’ve always been a person that didnÂ’t look at race, gender, age or anything else like that. When I assigned tasks, jobs or gave a promotion I based it on who was the best for the job. Who was the most qualified, who would be able to do the work. Apparently I was wrong. IÂ’m supposed to make sure I have a mix of employees. Thus the next time I do promotions since I donÂ’t have a male employee, if one puts in for it and just barely makes the minimum requirements, I should promote them over anyone else. IÂ’m sorry, thatÂ’s bullshite! I donÂ’t care if the person is an albino Creole homosexual missing two legs and an eye. If they are the best qualified for the job, they get it.

Apparently, IÂ’m wrong. ItÂ’s not about who is best qualified, itÂ’s about what race, gender, age, religion, disability or sexual orientation who gets the job. IÂ’m very disappointed in my company right now. Here I thought I worked for a company that none of that mattered. A company that valued the employee for ability, skill and knowledge over anything else.

I hate being wrong.

Posted by: Contagion at 06:51 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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